N.Y. musical fest sets slate

Includes new comedy from 'Wedding' duo

The new tuners invited to appear in this fall’s New York Musical Theater Fest include the latest work by the creative team of “The Wedding Singer” and a collaboration between the book writer-lyricist of “Side Show” and the composer of “Adrift in Macao.”

Musicals showcased in the fest, which kicks off in September, often move on to future life, as did NYMF alums “Next to Normal,” “[title of show]” and “Altar Boyz,” among others.

The new comedy from “Wedding” duo Chad Beguelin (book writer and lyricist) and Matthew Sklar (music), “Judas and Me,” follows a young Judas Iscariot and his mother as they try to compete with the achievements of the neighbors’ kid, Jesus.

“The Last Smoker in America,” with book and lyrics by Russell (“Side Show”) and music by Melnick (“Macao”), centers on a woman struggling to break her cigarette habit.

Also on the lineup are “Street Lights,” the latest from writer-composer Joe Drymala and director Ryan J. Davis, who also collaborated on 2006 NYMF offering “White Noise,” said to be aiming for future commercial life. Plot of “Street Lights” centers on two promising youths growing up in an inner-city hood.

Roster of invited offerings also includes titles “Gay Bride of Frankenstein,” “Max Understood” and “Whatever Man.”

A total of 15 tuners, asked to be a part of the fest by the organizers of NYMF, join a previously announced slate of a dozen shows culled from open submissions for the fest’s Next Link Project series. The 2009 installment of NYMF runs Sept. 28-Oct. 15.